Delta's Mobile App Now Checks You in Automatically

This has the potential to be a game-changer for legacy airlines in the US. As of Thursday, Delta's iOS app supports automatic flight check-in — if your flight appears in the latest version of the Delta app, a boarding pass will automatically pop up 24 hours before departure.

It doesn't look like the Android app has been updated to support this functionality yet, but assuming it's a hit on iOS, I'm sure it'll make its way to Google's mobile platform, too.

Delta isn't the only carrier to offer this feature — Lufthansa offers automated check-in as well, but only for flights within the Schengen area in Europe. With Lufthansa, your boarding pass will be sent via email or text message approximately 23 hours before departure. Additionally, JetBlue tested an auto check-in feature for select Even More Space customers in 2014, but has since discontinued the program.

I booked a flight for Friday morning to test out Delta's new feature. Unfortunately a boarding pass wasn't issued immediately, perhaps because the check-in period had already opened. It's not yet clear which itineraries and routes are supported, or whether the same functionality will be available through Delta's website, but we've reached out to the airline for more details.

Have you used Delta's new auto check-in feature?